Things to See and Do in Birmingham

Birmingham is one of the most iconic cities in Alabama. Formerly an industrial hub of the South and ground zero for the civil rights movement, Birmingham is now a diverse and vibrant metropolis, bursting with entertainment, the arts, nightlife, outdoor recreation and world-class cuisine. Here are some of the things you can see and do while in Birmingham.

Afternoon at the Summit

Calling all shoppers! The Summit is a creative hub of style and taste for food, fashion, movies, and anytime-style inspiration in Alabama! With more than 100 shops and restaurants, this destination is sure to have something for everyone. This is conveniently located and only a few miles away from the Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park.

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Take a thrill ride through motorsports history! Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is recognized as the world’s largest motorcycle collection, with over 1600 on display. It is also home to the world’s most expensive collection of Lotus cars and rare, celebrated cars. Admission is $15 and operating hours are 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Birmingham Barons Game

A wonderful way to wrap up the day is to take in a Barons game at downtown Birmingham’s Regions Field. Here you will see Minor League baseball at its finest while experiencing this remarkable venue. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, hungry, and thirsty to take in the great deals at the Regions Field concessions stands. You may also eat at one of several nearby restaurants before you hit the game! Games are scheduled to begin at 7:05 on Thursday and Friday nights.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Put on your walking shoes, and take an afternoon stroll through one of the South’s most beautiful treasures. The Gardens’ 67.5 acres are filled with more than 30 thematic gardens and comprise Alabama’s largest living museum. Parking and admission are free; hours are dawn ‘til dusk.

History of Civil Rights Tour

Come and experience the historical side of Birmingham as it was at the nexus of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Westminster’s own Lori Jill Keeler will lead a walking tour through Kelly Ingram Park, a prime site for civil rights rallies, demonstrations, and confrontations. Kelly Ingram Park is adjacent to the Civil Rights Institute and 16th Street Baptist Church, for those who would like to take their civil rights adventure further.

Kelly Ingram Park Walking Tour

Birmingham’s historic Kelly Ingram Park, site of civil rights rallies, demonstrations and confrontations in the 1960s, now offers visitors a guided audio tour through their mobile phones. In the early 1960s, Kelly Ingram Park became the epicenter of the nation’s Civil Rights Movement. America’s second revolution was a struggle for human rights and simple decency for African-American citizens. The park became the international focus of civil disobedience for blacks demanding equality. The tour is free and available to anyone with a mobile phone. The dial-in number is 205-307-5455.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is a cultural and educational research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding for the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017, BCRI reaches more than 150,000 individuals each year though award-winning programs and services.
$15 admission (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Robert Trent Jones Trail at Ross Bridge

Beautifully carved into the rolling terrain of Shannon Valley, Ross Bridge will challenge even the best golfers. The course meanders through indigenous landscape and around the 259-room Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. Ross Bridge is one of the longest courses in the world but offers multiple tees for golfers of all levels. For more details or to book your tee time call (205) 949-3085.

Taste of Downtown Homewood

Come and see where small-town southern life meets vibrant, contemporary retail and dining options. Old-style shopping along and around Homewood’s 18th Street South includes upscale clothing shops, home decorating stores, and nationally acknowledged high-end antique galleries. Hungry? This is the place to experience some of Birmingham’s most famous local fare.